Today is
Friday July 24, 2026
TEXARKANA – Texarkana Area Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,500 reward for any information that can lead to the arrest of the man wanted for shooting and injuring a mother and her 10-year-old daughter while they were sleeping in March.
According to our news partner KETK, 20-year-old Omarion Owens is wanted for multiple violent felonies in Texarkana Texas and Arkansas, including a shooting that left a mom and daughter wounded.
Officials said on March 15 around 12:30 a.m. in the 3000 block of Mason Street a mother and her 10-year-old daughter were shot while sleeping in bed leaving the mom wounded and her daughter in critical condition. “More than 60 bullets were fired into their home in the middle of the night in just 11 seconds,” the department said. Read the rest of this entry »
HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Larue man was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon after the court heard his extensive criminal history since the 1990’s.
According to the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office, Jeremy Wayne Costlow, 47 of Larue was sentenced to life in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and 20 years for possession of a controlled substance after the jury found him guilty in March.
“During punishment, the court heard that Costlow’s punishment was enhanced due to his extensive criminal history and was on parole at the time of this offense,” the DA’s office said. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, the Calendars Committee did not advance House Bill 2109 to be heard on the House floor. The 57-year-old bill would have ended the Marvin Nichols project to flood tens of thousands of East Texas land to supply water to the DFW metroplex.
East Texans have strong emotions about HB- 2109 being one hurdle away from a House floor hearing. Many East Texans said they called all 11 Calendars Committee members and went to the capitol to please their case even as the clock was running out. They all agree after nearly six decades on the front lines that they will not stop fighting. In the next legislative session, they are hoping another bill will be introduced to finally put a stop to the reservoir, once and for all.
The Texas Water Board is still allowing anyone to submit their comments regarding the Reservoir. The deadline is June 9.
AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott has increased the reward offered for information leading to Trevor McEuen’s arrest, after a manhunt ensued earlier this month, hours before he was due in court on a murder charge.
According to our news partner KETK, the reward is up to $30,000 after Abbott, the Kaufman County Crime Stoppers and the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office each offered $10,000 for any information that leads to McEuen’s arrest.
“I urge all Texans with information on McEuen to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online to help law enforcement apprehend this heinous criminal. Working together, we will bring fugitives like Trevor McEuen to justice,” Abbot said.
To be eligible for the reward, people must submit their tips to Texas Crime Stoppers at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or online. Anyone with information will remain anonymous and should avoid apprehending McEuen as he is considered armed and dangerous. Read the rest of this entry »
POLK COUNTY — In Texas, each county jail requires a minimum ratio of one guard for every 48 inmates. According to our news partner KETK, that’s not enough for Polk County.
Sheriff Byron Lyons says, like many other jails across Texas, his jail is facing staffing shortages and overcrowding, and has now looked into exploring alternative housing options for inmates.
“The only viable in-state option was in Eagle Pass, which could accommodate 60 to 100 inmates. However, it is located approximately six hours away, one way,” Lyons said. “In contrast, the facility in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, though out of state, is only a two-hour drive and can also house between 60 and 100 inmates. This proximity allows us to keep our inmate population centralized, rather than spread out across multiple locations.” Read the rest of this entry »
WHITEHOUSE – According to our news partner KETK, a motorcyclist died in Whitehouse following a crash with a vehicle, according to officials.
The crash occurred around 7:42 p.m. at the intersection of State Highway 110 and Acker Tap on Thursday evening, according to Nikki Simmons, the Community Outreach Coordinator for Smith County ESD2. Simmons also stated the motorcyclist died on the scene while the driver involved in the crash was transported to the hospital and their condition remains unknown.
UPSHUR COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help in finding a missing woman who has not been seen since last week.
According to the sheriff’s office, 31-year-old Maria ‘Mary’ De La Cruz was last seen on May 8. Her family has not had any contact with her since her disappearance, but has located her car and belongings.
Anyone with any information about De La Cruz’s potential whereabouts is asked to contact investigator Rob Bowen at 903-680-8223.
TYLER – According to our news partner, KETK, a missing persons investigation is underway for a 28-year-old man last seen on Friday.
The Tyler Police Department said Donte Matlock-Landon, of Tyler, was last seen at around 6:30 p.m. at a residence in the 700 block of Bennett Avenue. He is described as 6 feet, 3 inches tall, with a slim build, brown eyes and short, black dreadlock hair.
Officials said he was last seen wearing black/white shorts and a black hoodie.
Anyone who has seen or knows his whereabouts is asked to contact the police department at 903-531-1000.
LONGVIEW – UPDATE: According to the Longview Police Department, Frank Eliseo Barrientos, who was wanted for aggravated robbery, is now in custody.
ORIGINAL STORY: According to the department, they are looking for 32-year-old Frank Eliseo Barrientos who is five feet and 10 inches tall and weighs around 170 pounds. Barrientos has short black hair, brown eyes, has a scar around his right eye and multiple tattoos.
Officials said Barrientos has an outstanding warrant for aggravated robbery, is considered armed and dangerous and shouldn’t be approached.
TYLER– According to our news partner KETK, the Texas House is considering a bill that would create a single health permit for all Texas food truck applicants, replacing a process that differs in each county.
For operators in the city of Tyler and Smith County, Net Health approves the yearly permits. The two-step process involves an application, fire marshal approval, and a preliminary inspection. If voted on and approved Bill 2844 could bring “major change” to the process.
The bill is currently under consideration and on the agenda for Texas House lawmakers. However, the deadline is near; if it is not heard on the House floor by the end of Thursday, its chances of passing will close this session.
TYLER – The Tyler NAACP President Lisa Williams spoke with KETK on Tuesday about videos of the recent arrest of Brianna Erwin, which have been making rounds on social media.
In 10 seconds of body camera footage released by Tyler PD, an officer can be heard saying, “Let go of my gun” just before the officer’s gun went off in it’s holster. Tyler PD said Erwin was then struck with a closed-hand by an officer in an attempt to avoid further escalation. Erwin was transported to the Smith County Jail where Williams met with her on Monday.
Body cam footage video below:
“I visited her May the 12th, once I saw the video on social media,” Williams said. “I reposted the video because I didn’t know who it was and that was my main concern. Who was she?”
During her visit with Erwin, Williams said she learned that Erwin wasn’t pregnant as she was heard stating in videos of her arrest. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The Tyler Police Department’s Chief of Police spoke to our news partner KETK News on Wednesday after releasing bodycam footage of an altercation between one of their officers and a woman who allegedly discharged the officer’s gun while it remained in his holster.
According to a release from the department, officers responded to a theft call at a Dollar General. The situation then escalated when one of the suspects, Brianna Erwin, allegedly resisted arrest, causing an altercation to ensue. In a bodycam video released by the department, an officer says, “Let go of my gun” before the gun is discharged.
Tyler PD Chief Jimmy Toler spoke with KETK to clear the air and answer the public’s questions. “I can tell you from the point that we hire an individual, whether they attend our academy or they attend another academy that we’ve approved of, they receive hundreds and hundreds of hours of how to be a police officer including arrest control tactics, use of force procedures, all that,” Toler said. “Then annually, as they come back to us, they do all their qualifications and recertification. They do advanced use of force, they do use of force training here. It is something we take very seriously.” Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, a Longview ISD student was arrested after allegedly making continuous threats while off campus.
The Longview Police Department was made aware of the threats on Wednesday and charged the student with Terrorist Threat, a third-degree felony. The student was then taken to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center.
“The Longview Police Department remains committed to thoroughly investigating all threats made toward or on school campuses,” Longview PD said. ” Appropriated charges will be pursued in every case to ensure the safety of students.”
Anyone who may know of any suspicious activity is asked to contact Longview PD at 903-237-1199 to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff.
TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that STAAR testing could soon hear its final bell as Texas. As lawmakers move toward overhauling the annual exams, educators and parents alike say they fully support its end.
“The STAAR test is very stressful for small kids,” East Texas parent, Jourdan Ballou said. “Knowing that if you don’t pass the STAAR test, you cannot go to the next grade.”
House Bill 4 would change the test format from one test that lasts hours, to three exams taken over the year. Several school districts are also showing their support. Tyler ISD superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said the district is excited the bill passed the house and that they had a hand in its creation. Parents, too, believe the move would also help reduce their children’s test anxiety.
“I would support it because it would give them a chance to prepare the kids for not one big test but rather smaller tests,” East Texas parent James Sholar said. Read the rest of this entry »
TITUS COUNTY – According to a report from our news partner KETK, an affidavit reveals that a man has been arrested after sexually assaulting a minor at a hotel in Mount Pleasant.
On April 23, the Titus County Sheriff’s Office was assigned to an aggravated sexual assault of a child case that occurred in January 2022. The following day, the victim participated in a forensic interview.
During the interview, the child said she was nine or 10-years-old when she was sexually assaulted in the parking lot of a hotel in Mount Pleasant. She identified the suspect as Camilo Hernandez Jr., and provided more details on the assault.
On Monday, officials interviewed Hernandez, who allegedly “admitted to having had sex [with the victim] when she was nine or 10-years-old. Hernandez justified this act by stating [the victim] had come on to him.”
Following the interview, Hernandez was arrested and booked into the Titus County Jail without incident.
HUNTINGTON — The Huntington Police Department said a cyclist was allegedly threatened with a knife by four minors at a park last week, according to our news partner KETK.
The minors confronted and verbally threatened a man bicycling through Huntington City Park. One of the minors then took out a knife while another held a two-by-four wooden plank.
Huntington PD is actively investigating these threats and considering charging two of the juveniles with aggravated assault. “This decision underscores the seriousness of the incident and the potential legal consequences faced by the individuals involved,” Huntington PD Chief Brandan Lovell said.
Lovell added that the two other juveniles involved in the confrontation may also face charges.
TYLER – The Tyler Police Department has released body cam footage after a woman grabbed an officer’s firearm and discharged it during an altercation on Sunday afternoon. According to the department and our news partner KETK, around 2:09 a.m., officers responded to a theft at Dollar General on 306 W Gentry Parkway and the officer located two suspects nearby at Albertson Avenue and Whitten Avenue. Officials said that while one complied with the arrest, Brianna Nicole Erwin tried to walk away and resisted when ordered to stop.
“Erwin continuously thrashed about, twisting her body, biting and pulling her arms away from officers,” an affidavit from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said.
“During the struggle, a backup officer arrived to assist with the arrest. The suspect continued to resist arrest and grabbed an officer’s firearm, discharging the weapon,” the police department said. “To prevent further escalation and the use of deadly force, an officer quickly utilized a closed-hand strike. Shortly afterwards, the suspect was taken into custody.” Read the rest of this entry »
MOUNT PLEASANT – The City of Mount Pleasant’s newly elected Mayor, Wesley Lyon, will be sworn into office on Wednesday, according to our news partner KETK.
“The biggest thing I want is for the citizens to trust the government again,” Lyon said. “If something needs to be said or something needs to be done, then I’m going to say it or I’m going to do it.”
He was elected to this role on May 3, beating Incumbent Mayor Tracy Craig Sr.
“I certainly wish the new administration the best of luck because I want them to succeed, because if they succeed, the people in the city of Mount Pleasant will succeed,” Craig said. Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN – A Lufkin man has pleaded guilty to various wire fraud schemes after he stole more than $9 million through fraudulent means.
Matthew Jess Thrash who had been running a multitude of fraudulent schemes and has been under investigation since 2020, pleaded guilty to wire fraud on Monday, according to a press release from Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Abe McGlothin, Jr.’s Office.
An investigation revealed that Thrash had stolen approximately $9,170,124 from over 100 victims through fraudulent methods. McGlothlin’s press release indicates that Thrash “intended to devise schemes and artifices to defraud others, and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.” Read the rest of this entry »
ANDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that deputies are seeking information after multiple cars and houses were burglarized in Houston County and Anderson County.
According to officials, on Monday the Houston County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls about burglaries that had happened in the area of FM 1272 and CR 2290. Deputies believe the suspects entered two different homes and attempted to enter two cars.
The sheriff’s office said that they believe the suspects are entering houses that appear to not be occupied full-time and cars that appear to be vacant outside residential neighborhoods to look for firearms, cash and jewelry.
The Anderson and Houston County Sheriff’s Office are currently working together to seek information and are asking individuals with security systems in the area to check their footage between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Monday.
RUSK COUNTY– UPDATE: At 8:10 p.m., Tuesday, the Rusk County Emergency Management announced that 911 service is restored for both Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson Police Department.
ORIGINAL STORY: Our news partner KETK reports that the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson Police Department said Tuesday morning that their 911 system is down.
According to Rusk County Emergency Management, there is an interruption of 911 service for the sheriff’s office and Henderson Police Department. People can call the agencies for emergencies and non-emergencies using these phone numbers Read the rest of this entry »
CHEROKEE COUNTY – According to a report from our news partner KETK, a 78-year-old woman was found dead inside her home after a Monday evening fire in Cherokee County.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call around 8 p.m. about Gallatin Volunteer Fire Department responding to a fire in the 5000 block of FM 347 near Dialville with an elderly woman possibly still inside. Officials said after the fire was extinguished, the 78-year-old woman was found dead inside her home along with some animals around 12:30 a.m.
The state fire marshal’s office will be assisting in the investigation.
GILMER – East Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran spoke along with Upshur County Sheriff Larry Webb in Gilmer on Monday to show their appreciation for law enforcement.
Moran’s speech was a part of the East Texans for Liberty political action committee’s Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner according to our news partner KETK. The free dinner was hosted at the Barbwire HALO Cowboy Church at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
“We need to do more of saying thank you to our law enforcement community day in, day out. It shouldn’t just be one week of the year, one day of the year, but we should go out of our way constantly to remind those in the law enforcement community, our first responders, how appreciative we are that they keep our property safe and that they keep us safe,” Moran said.
The event was held as a part of National Police Week which President Donald Trump declared as May 11 through May 17 in a proclamation on Monday.
KILGORE – Our news partner KETK is reporting that the City of Kilgore said the intersection of Danville Drive and Danville Road will be closed this week.
From May 13 though May 16, the intersection will be closed so crews can do repairs to the water main tap on Danville Drive. According to the city, Danville Road will remain open but Danville Drive will become a temporary dead end at the intersection. Danville Drive residents will still be able to access Danville Road through Forest Lane until these repairs are finished and the intersection is reopened.
TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NETRMA) announced that parts of Toll 49 will be closed through Monday evening till early morning on Tuesday. NETRMA said Toll 49 will be closed between State Highway 155 and State Highway 31 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for gantry maintenance.
The agency encourages travelers to find an alternative route during this time frame. Travelers who want to stay updated on closures and road conditions can visit the NET RMA website.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Gov. Greg Abbott continues to seek stricter bail laws after authorities lost track of a murder suspect in Van Zandt County last week.
According to our news partner KETK, Trevor McEuen was due in court, on May 5, after he was charged with murder in connection with the 2023 fatal shooting of Aaron Martinez in Kaufman County. At around 5:33 a.m. that day, McEuen, who had been released from jail after posting a $2,000,000 bond, removed his ankle monitor and left his family’s Van Zandt County home where he was confined to house arrest.
McEuen’s disappearance triggered a search of Van Zandt County and the issuing of a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest after officials concluded that he had left the county.
On Wednesday, FOX4 in Dallas reported that Abbott had a round table discussion centered around his desire for the Texas Legislature to pass new laws that will deny bail to those charged with certain violent offenses. Read the rest of this entry »
HARRISON COUNTY — Authorities are seeking information regarding a Thursday morning shooting in Harrison County according to our news partner KETK.
According to a release from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred at the intersection of FM 9 and FM 1999 around 10:30 a.m. A witness described the vehicle as a black or blue 2013-2018 Kia. The person officials are searching for is described as being a Black man, 5 feet 6 inches tall to 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a slender build and short hair. At the time, he was wearing a pattern shirt with blue jeans.
The public is asked not to approach the suspect as they are considered armed and dangerous. The sheriff’s office said those with information about the suspect or the case can contact Investigator Rocco Bruno at 903-923-4000 or remain anonymous by calling crime stoppers at 903-935-9969.
LUFKIN — Child marriages in Texas could end this year, as state lawmakers debate a proposal that would close a loophole from a 2017 law that allows certain 16- and 17-year-olds to wed.
House Bill 168 by state Rep. Jon Rosenthal, a Houston Democrat, would also nullify all existing marriage licenses involving minors, including those who move into the state after being married elsewhere.
The Texas House could vote on the matter as early as Saturday. For it to become law, the legislation would also need approval from the Senate.
Marriage among teenagers is rare after lawmakers took steps in 2017 to curb the practice. Still, Rosenthal believes the practice must be abolished entirely. Read the rest of this entry »
BULLARD – According to a press release from Bullard ISD, on Tuesday, May 13, Bullard High School is hosting a scheduled CHRISTUS EMS and Flight For Life school visit for its Health Sciences students. These students will spend the day rotating through the vehicles during class to get hands-on experience. The visit will include the helicopter, ambulance, and a training trailer. The helicopter is expected to land in the Band parking lot behind the school between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Christus says, please do not be alarmed if you see or hear the helicopter in the area.
SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man in connection with two burglaries, according to our news partner, KETK.
The sheriff’s office said Wayne Nathaniel “Nate” Hooser is wanted for burglary of habitation and burglary of a building in Lakeway Harbor. Hooser was previously arrested for burglary of a building, failure to ID, being a fugitive from justice, and criminal trespass.
Those who have information regarding Hooser’s whereabouts can contact Detective Justin Eakin by phone at 903-590-2969 or email at JEakin@smith@smith-county.com. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is also available at 903-566-6600.